Burden of Disease in Elderly Mexican Population

Abstract:

We live in an aging society in which at birth people can expect to live into their 70s or 80s, compared to 40s in the beginning of the twentieth century. People are living longer and they are living more of their years in good health; however, the fast growth of the elderly population worldwide is creating an unprecedented global demographic revolution. At present, the magnitude of aging in the world shows that developed countries have aged gradually throughout the whole century; whereas developing countries will age in less than 30 years.

Mexico, as well as other Latino American countries, has a noticeable tendency to aging. In an intermediate development society with a young population structure, there is an underlying presence of a highly heterogeneous demographic and epidemiological process, in addition to a lengthier population life expectancy, which poses enormous challenges. Rather than demographic progress, it constitutes a challenge for current population policies, social planning and development of governmental programmes, since demands of the populations exceed the capacity of the productive system.

Mexico is not yet facing a health crisis related to demographic aging. We are just at the right time to develop health care and prevention policies and programmes based on the research and experiences of developed countries. On the other hand, effective national and local social and economic population interventions are needed. In a the short time, we will have to provide good answers towards the improvement of the pension system and promote joint citizen participation and governmental networks to keep the elderly integrated and active in our society.